Major Brian Merkl graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2003 with a degree in Computer Science and was commissioned as an Officer in the Aviation Branch.
Following flight school and qualification in the UH-60, Major Merkl served as Assistant Operations Officer in 1st Battalion 58th Aviation Regiment and Flight Platoon Leader in Charlie Company 2nd Battalion 82nd Aviation Regiment. After the Aviation Captains Career Course, Major Merkl completed Officer Green Platoon and joined the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). With the 160th Major Merkl served as Executive Officer in Charlie Company 1st Battalion and Company Commander in Alpha Company Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion. Following company command, Major Merkl served as Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
Major Merkl has deployed numerous times totaling approximately three years to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other global locations.
Major Merkl’s military education includes the Aviation Officer Basic Course, Aviation Captains Career Course, Command and General Staff College, SERE-C, Airborne School, and Air Assault School. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Senior Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
Brian, his wife Lisa, and their son William currently reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he is completing a Masters in Public Administration at Harvard University.
